Big crisis in the city where tourists flock! Giant protest from kebab shops

The crisis in Gaziantep, one of the most important gastronomic cities of Turkey… Tradesmen who could not cope with the rising meat prices decided to close their restaurants. 250 kebab shopkeepers and restaurant shopkeepers will not open their shops for a week.

President of the Gaziantep Chamber of Restaurateurs Kebab Shopkeepers announced that 250 shopkeepers would close their workplaces for 1 week if concrete steps were not taken regarding rising meat prices.

He stated that a kilo of meat, which was 330 TL before the holiday, started to be sold at 430-440 TL, “We will follow the market for two days, if expectations about meat prices are not met, artisans and restaurant operators will close for a week.”

IT WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR BOTH TRADESMEN AND CITIZENS

He noted that 250 kebab shopkeepers and restaurant owners would participate in the closure action as a warning about the impending danger, and also stressed that Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce member enterprises also supported them, “We will take such an action together with GTO members. If the market does not fall to the desired level, we will hold a meeting with all stakeholders and announce our decision.”

He noted that the rate of increase in meat was very high, adding ‘Under normal circumstances, there should not have been a raise. However, when issues such as minimum wage hike, tax, withholding came into play, a raise became inevitable. The amount of the increase should have been in the 360 TL band. However, the determined figure is in the 440 TL band. This will force both tradesmen and citizens. In order to regulate/keep prices, the authorities need to take all measures, especially supports. Citizens should be able to buy and take a kilo of meat to people’s homes.”